Article March 3, 1917 Issue

Obstacles Surmounted

WILLIAM B. HAINES

In dealing with the subject of seeming obstacles to our progress, let us picture to ourselves a mountain stream rippling and singing over its stony bed as, in response to the law of gravitation, it traces its unerring way down to the sea. Let us also suppose that with intent to obstruct its flow a boulder is rolled across its course. At first the object seems to have been accomplished, for the waters below the boulder are no longer flowing, while those above it may seem to stop their singing; but let us wait and watch, and we shall find fresh hope, for we shall soon see the waters rising. The spring in which the stream has its birth is far above the boulder, and it is still pouring forth unstintingly; so a steady accumulation of water goes on, till at last the top of the obstacle is reached and overflowed, and the stream sings once more. Let us note well the result of the seeming check,—the waters have been lifted higher to form a deep pool, a home for fish, a reservoir of refreshment, a still symbol of peace.

We can all gather simple, helpful lessons from this little picture. The light of Christian Science is daily leading more and more lives to yield to the mighty influence of divine Love and so to start them singing on their way Spiritward. If at times a seeming obstacle is thrust in their path,—a difficulty of any nature,—they should learn lessons of patience and hope from this picture and wait and work on. It is also well to look at the rising waters above the boulder rather than at what seems to be a dried up stream below it. They can then reassure themselves that the springs of joy and wisdom have not been sealed, and that the pure water must rise till the barrier is surmounted.

When the experience is interpreted in this way, from above instead of from below, it becomes entirely a matter for rejoicing. Through it we find, possibly for the first time, those deeper waters of Truth from which nourishing and satisfying thoughts may be drawn. Patience has made more room in consciousness to entertain God's ministering ideas; and great is the gain and the joy of finding within one's reach a still, pure reservoir from which many "wanderers, athirst in the desert," may be supplied with "a cup of cold water in Christ's name" (Science and Health, p. 570).

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

Obstacles Surmounted

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access